U.S. patent application number 10/081139 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-28 for table leg attachment system.
Invention is credited to Camarota, Richard J., Hartmann, Richard JR..
Application Number | 20030160139 10/081139 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27752912 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030160139 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Camarota, Richard J. ; et
al. |
August 28, 2003 |
Table leg attachment system
Abstract
A pedestal includes a base is releasably fixed to an elongate
post. The base includes an annular flange and a central plateau
which has a central opening. At least one tongue extends from the
plateau into the opening. A rim protrudes from the flange and is
spaced radially outboard of the plateau. A spider is fixed on the
post end and has at least one radially outwardly extending leg. The
post has a first circumferential position in which the leg is
located in the base central opening circumferentially offset from
the tongue. The post has a second circumferential position in which
the leg snugly underlies and is axially trapped by the tongue. One
of the tongue and the leg have a circumferentially extending ramp
surface tightly camingly engaged with an opposed surface of the
other of the tongue and the leg in the post second position. In the
post second position, the leg axially tightly abuts the plateau and
the tongue tightly abuts the opposed surface. An annular member is
axially movable on the post. The member has a first axial position
relatively distant from the spider and a second axial position
adjacent a lateral plane of the spider and engaging the base in a
ramp and opposing surface disengagement inhibiting relation.
Inventors: |
Camarota, Richard J.;
(Holland, MI) ; Hartmann, Richard JR.; (Holland,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FLYNN, THIEL, BOUTELL & TANIS, P.C.
2026 Rambling Road
Kalamazoo
MI
49008-1699
US
|
Family ID: |
27752912 |
Appl. No.: |
10/081139 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/188 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 13/021 20130101;
A47B 13/023 20130101; B63B 29/06 20130101; A47B 2013/024
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/188 |
International
Class: |
F16M 011/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A pedestal mountable on a first support structure for carrying a
second support structure in spaced relation to the first support
structure, the pedestal comprising: an elongate post; a base
releasably fixed to said post and comprising a substantially
annular flange, a central plateau surrounded by and stepped up from
said substantially annular flange and having a central opening, at
least one tongue on said plateau extending into said central
opening, and a rim protruding from said substantially annular
flange and spaced radially outboard of said plateau; a spider fixed
at an end of said post and having at least one radially outwardly
extending leg, said post having a first circumferential position
with respect to said base in which said at least one leg of said
spider is located in said base central opening circumferentially
offset from said at least one tongue, said post having a second
circumferential position with respect to said base in which said at
least one leg of said spider snugly underlies and is axially
trapped by said at least one tongue, said first and second post
positions being circumferentially spaced, one of said at least one
tongue and at least one leg having a circumferentially extending
ramp surface tightly camingly engaged with an opposed surface of an
other of said at least one tongue and at least one leg in said post
second position, said leg in said post second position axially
tightly abutting said plateau, said tongue tightly abutting said
opposed surface in said second position; and an annular member
sleeved on and axially movable on said post, said member having a
first axial position relatively distant from said spider and a
second axial position adjacent a lateral plane of said spider and
engaging said base, in ramp surface/opposed surface disengagement
inhibiting relation.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said annular flange and said
plateau are joined by an axially extending step, said flange has a
plurality of circumferentially spaced fastener holes, and said
central opening has a peripheral edge defined by a plurality of
said tongues circumferentially separated by a plurality of
circumferentially extending notches.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said post comprises an
elongate rigid tube and a generally cup shaped end cap on an end of
said tube, said end cap having an outside circumferential
surface.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 in which said generally cup shaped end
cap has an end wall adjacent said end of said post and radially
inner and outer peripheral walls extending substantially axially
from said end wall and toward an intermediate part of said post,
said peripheral walls being radially spaced by an annular groove
open axially toward said intermediate part of said post, and said
end of said tube being snugly and fixedly received in said
groove.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said spider has a plurality of
circumferentially spaced legs with said generally circumferentially
extending ramp surface being on selected ones of said legs, a
central locator opening, and fastener holes radially interposed
between said central locator opening and legs.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 in which said post has a central
locator protrusion engagable in said spider central locator opening
and centering said spider on an end of said post.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base includes at least two
said tongues circumferentially separated by a notch, said annular
member comprising a slider axially slidably mounted on said post,
said slider including a substantially annular carrier and at least
one block fixed on said carrier and extending therefrom toward said
base, said block in said second axial position being seated in said
notch circumferentially between said at least two tongues.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said post has a radially
outwardly extending rib axially opposing said annular member and
blocking displacement of said annular member axially therepast,
said annular member being located on said post between said rib and
said post end.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said post has a threaded
portion adjacent said spider, said annular member comprising a nut
threaded on said post threaded portion, said nut in said first
axial position being threaded relatively distantly from said spider
and in said second axial position being threaded nearer to said
spider, said nut in said second axial position snugly engaging said
base so that said base is tightly gripped between said spider and
nut.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 in which said nut and said base have a
frictionally engaging interface frictionally holding said nut in
said second axial position.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said nut has a generally
cup-shaped end portion opening toward said base and including a
central recess surrounded by a skirt extended toward said base,
said recess being of greater axial extent than said axial stepping
of said plateau from said base flange.
12. A pedestal mountable on a first support structure for carrying
a second support structure in spaced relation to the first support
structure, the pedestal comprising: an elongate post; a base
releasably fixed to said post and comprising a substantially
annular flange, a central plateau surrounded by and stepped up from
said substantially annular flange and having a central opening, at
least one tongue on said plateau extending into said central
opening, and a rim protruding from said substantially annular
flange and spaced radially outboard of said plateau; a spider fixed
at an end of said post and having at least one radially outwardly
extending leg, said post having a first circumferential position
with respect to said base in which said at least one leg of said
spider is located in said base central opening circumferentially
offset from said at least one tongue, said post having a second
circumferential position with respect to said base in which said at
least one leg of said spider snugly underlies and is axially
trapped by said at least one tongue, said first and second post
positions being circumferentially spaced, one of said at least one
tongue and at least one leg having a circumferentially extending
ramp surface tightly camingly engaged with an opposed surface of an
other of said at least one tongue and at least one leg in said post
second position, said leg in said post second position axially
tightly abutting said plateau, said tongue tightly abutting said
opposed surface in said second position; and a nut threaded on said
post threaded portion, said nut having a first axial position
threaded relatively distantly from said spider and a second axial
position threaded nearer to said spider, said nut in said nut
second position snugly engaging said base so that said base is
tightly gripped between said spider and nut.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 in which said annular flange and
plateau are joined by an axially extending annular step, said
flange having circumferentially spaced fastener holes, said central
opening having a peripheral edge defined by a plurality of said
tongues circumferentially separated by a plurality of
circumferentially extending notches.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said nut has a generally
cup-shaped end portion opening toward said base and including a
central recess surrounded by a skirt extending toward said base,
said recess being of greater axial extent than said axial stepping
of said plateau from said base flange.
15. The apparatus of claim 12 in which said post comprises an
elongate rigid tube and a generally cup shaped end cap on an end of
said tube, said end cap having an outside circumferential surface
defining said threaded portion of said post.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 in which the generally cup shaped end
cap has an end wall adjacent an end of a post and radially inner
and outer peripheral walls extending substantially axially from the
end wall and toward an intermediate part of said post, said
threaded portion of said post comprising threads on said outer
peripheral wall, said peripheral walls being radially spaced by an
annular groove open axially toward an intermediate part of said
post, and said end of said tube being snugly and fixedly received
in said groove.
17. The apparatus of claim 12 in which said spider has a plurality
of circumferentially spaced legs with said generally
circumferentially extending ramp surface being on selected ones of
said legs, a central locator opening, and fastener holes radially
interposed between said central locator opening and legs.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 in which said post has a central
locator protrusion engagable in said spider central locator opening
and centering said spider on an end of said post.
19. The apparatus of claim 12 in which said nut has a peripheral
surface tapered away from said base, a textured hand engagable
area, a narrow end facing away from said base, and a wide end
facing toward said base and recessed to clear said plateau, said
wide end having a skirt bounding said recess and of axial length to
frictionally engage said base flange.
20. The apparatus of claim 12 in which said post has a radially
outwardly extending rib axially opposing said nut and blocking
displacement of said nut axially therepast, said nut being located
on said post between said rib and said post end.
21. A pedestal mountable on a first support structure for carrying
a second support structure in spaced relation to the first support
structure, the pedestal comprising: an elongate post; a base
releasably fixed to said post and comprising a substantially
annular flange, a central plateau surrounded by and stepped up from
said substantially annular flange and having a central opening, at
least one tongue on said plateau extending into said central
opening, and a rim protruding from said substantially annular
flange and spaced radially outboard of said plateau; a spider fixed
at an end of said post and having at least one radially outwardly
extending leg, said post having a first circumferential position
with respect to said base in which said at least one leg of said
spider is located in said base central opening circumferentially
offset from said at least one tongue, said post having a second
circumferential position with respect to said base in which said at
least one leg of said spider snugly underlies and is axially
trapped by said at least one tongue, said first and second post
positions being circumferentially spaced, one of said at least one
tongue and at least one leg having a circumferentially extending
ramp surface tightly camingly engaged with an opposed surface of an
other of said at least one tongue and at least one leg in said post
second position, said leg in said post second position axially
tightly abutting said plateau, said tongue tightly abutting said
opposed surface in said second position; and a slider axially
slidably mounted on said post, said slider having a first axial
position relatively distant from said spider and a second axial
position adjacent a lateral plane of said spider and engaging said
base, said slider including a substantially annular carrier and at
least one block fixed on said carrier and extending therefrom
toward said base in said second position.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 in which said annular flange and said
plateau are joined by an axially extending step, said flange having
circumferentially spaced fastener holes, said central opening
having a peripheral edge defined by a plurality of said tongues
circumferentially separated by circumferentially extending
notches.
23. The apparatus of claim 21 in which said post comprises an
elongate rigid tube and a generally cup shaped end cap on an end of
said tube, said end cap having an outside circumferential
surface.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 in which said generally cup shaped
end cap has an end wall adjacent said end of said post and radially
inner and outer peripheral walls extending substantially axially
from said end wall and toward an intermediate part of said post,
said peripheral walls being radially spaced by an annular groove
open axially toward said intermediate part of said post, and said
end of said tube being snugly and fixedly received in said
groove.
25. The apparatus of claim 21 in which said spider has a plurality
of circumferentially spaced legs with said generally
circumferentially extending ramp surface being on selected ones of
said legs, a central locator opening, and fastener holes radially
interposed between said central locator opening and legs.
26. The apparatus of claim 25 in which said post has a central
locator protrusion engagable in said spider central locator opening
and centering said spider on an end of said post.
27. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said base includes at least
two said tongues circumferentially separated by a notch.
28. The apparatus of claim 27 in which said post has a radially
outward extending rib axially opposing said slider and blocking
displacement of said slider axially therepast, said slider being
located on said post between said rib and said post end.
29. A pedestal mountable on a first support structure for carrying
a use structure in spaced relation to the first support structure,
the pedestal comprising: an elongate post; a connector member
comprising a substantially annular flange, a central plateau
surrounded by and stepped from said flange and having a central
passage, a step in said passage and facing generally away from said
plateau, said passage being sized to snugly axially receive an end
portion of said post; a radially outwardly extending protrusion
fixed on said post opposing said plateau and defining a limit to
axial displacement of said connector member toward an intermediate
part of said post; and a latch axially fixed on said post and
located to engage said step and maintain said connector member
against unintended displacement off said post.
30. The apparatus of claim 29 in which at least one of said latch
and said step is releasably radially shiftably mounted and has a
displacement direction away from an other of said step and said
latch to allow removal of said connector member from said post.
31. The apparatus of claim 30 including an axially opposed pair of
said steps, said steps being substantially annular and defined by a
substantially annular groove in said passage, said latch being a
leaf spring fixed on said post inboard of said connector member,
said passage having a slot extending from said groove through said
central plateau but of lesser radial depth than said groove, said
slot being of circumferential width exceeding the circumferential
width of said leaf spring, said leaf spring extending through said
slot and having a radial protrusion receivable in said annular
groove and resiliently radially outwardly pressed thereinto, said
protrusion being radially resiliently spaced outward from said
post, said protrusion cooperating with said opposed steps to
axially locate the said connector member axially on said post.
32. A pedestal mountable on an environmental surface for carrying
an object support spaced from the environmental surface, the
pedestal comprising: an elongate post; a base mountable on an
environmental surface and having an opening defining a notch and a
tongue extending into said opening beside said notch; said post
having a generally radially extending portion in turn having a
first position with said portion inserted in said notch and having
a second position with said portion axially trapped behind said
tongue, said first and second post positions being laterally
offset; and an annular member sleeved on and axially movable on
said post, said member having a first axial position relatively
distant from said portion and a second axial position engaging said
base, in portion/tongue disengagement inhibiting relation.
33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said annular member comprises
a slider axially slidably mounted on said post, said slider
including a substantially annular carrier and at least one block
fixed on said carrier and extending therefrom toward said base,
said block in said second axial position occupying said notch and
blocking displacement of said portion from behind said tongue.
34. The apparatus of claim 32 in which said post has a threaded
portion adjacent said generally radially extending portion, said
annular member comprising a nut threaded on said post threaded
portion, said nut in said first axial position being threaded
relatively distantly from said radially extended portion, said nut
in said second axial position snugly engaging said base so that
said base is tightly gripped between said generally radially
extended portion and nut.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is directed to a pedestal mountable on a
first support structure for carrying a second support structure in
spaced relation to the first support structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Mountable pedestals configured to carry a supported
structure have found considerable usefulness. More specifically,
these mountable pedestals have been particularly useful for
supporting tabletops, seats and other such items on the floor (e.g.
deck) in recreational vehicles and boats.
[0003] Applicant has found that a combination of factors can
increase the desirability of a particular pedestal. For instance,
the pedestal should be quick and easy to attach and remove as to
both the supported item and the floor. In addition, the pedestal
should provide a sturdy location, with respect to the floor, of the
item being supported. For example, if the pedestal is supporting a
table, the pedestal should be configured to prevent excessive
wobbling of the tabletop and to allow the table to support an
acceptable load. Further, the pedestal should be aesthetically
pleasing, or at the very least not aesthetically displeasing, to
the viewer.
[0004] The assignee of the present application has manufactured
commercially successful mountable pedestals for a number of years,
but continues to try to improve such pedestals. The invention
disclosed herein arises from that continued effort to improve upon
existing pedestals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] This invention is directed to a new and useful pedestal. The
pedestal includes a base that is releasably fixed to an elongate
post. The base unit includes a base and a mounting assembly which
is secured to the post. A central opening extends through the base.
At least one tongue is provided on the base and extends into the
central opening. A spider is fixed at an end of the post and has at
least one radially outwardly extending leg. The post has a first
circumferential position with respect to the base in which the at
least one leg of the spider is located in the base central opening
and is circumferentially offset from the at least one tongue. The
post has a second circumferential position with respect to the base
in which the at least one leg of the spider snugly underlies and is
axially trapped by the at least one tongue. When the post is in the
second circumferential position, a circumferentially extending ramp
surface of one of the at least one tongue and the at least one leg
is tightly camingly engaged with an opposed surface of the other of
the at least one tongue and the at least one leg. An annular member
is sleeved on the post and is axially movable thereon. The member
has a first axial position relatively distant from the spider and a
second axial position adjacent a lateral plane of the spider. When
the annular member is in the second axial position, it engages the
base in a manner which inhibits disengagement of the ramp surface
and the opposed surface of the at least one tongue of the base and
the at least one leg of the spider.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a side view of the pedestal according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, such pedestal
including a base unit, a pedestal upstanding from such base unit,
and a connector unit mounted on such pedestal;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a top view of a base of the FIG. 1 base unit;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional side view of the base of FIG.
2;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a central cross sectional view of an end cap of
the FIG. 1 base unit;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a top view of the FIG. 4 end cap;
[0011] FIG. 5A is an enlarged fragment view of the end cap of FIG.
5;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the FIG. 4 end cap;
[0013] FIG. 7A is a top view of a screw mounting block of the FIG.
1 base unit;
[0014] FIG. 7B is a cross sectional side view of the FIG. 7A screw
mounting block;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of an annular member of the
FIG. 1 base unit;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a top view of the FIG. 8 annular member;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the FIG. 8 annular member;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a top view of a spider of the FIG. 1 base
unit;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a side view of the FIG. 11 spider;
[0020] FIG. 13A is a top view, substantially as viewed along the
line XIII-XIII, of the base unit of FIG. 1 illustrating the spider
in a first circumferential position with respect to the base;
[0021] FIG. 13B is a view similar to FIG. 13A but illustrating the
spider in a second circumferential position with respect to the
base;
[0022] FIG. 14A is a cross sectional view, substantially as viewed
along the line XIV-XIV, of the lower end of the pedestal of FIG. 1
illustrating the annular member in its first axial position with
respect to the pedestal;
[0023] FIG. 14B is a view similar to FIG. 14A but illustrating the
annular member in its second axial position with respect to the
base;
[0024] FIG. 15A is a front view of a latch for attachment to the
pedestal and engagement of the connector member of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 15B is a cross sectional side view of the latch of FIG.
15A;
[0026] FIG. 16A is a front view of an end cap for use with the
connector unit of the FIG. 1 pedestal, wherein the end cap is
secured to the upper end of the pedestal post;
[0027] FIG. 16B is a side view of the upper end of the pedestal
post of FIG. 1 with the connector assembly end cap attached;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a top view of a connector member for use with the
connector unit of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the FIG. 17 connector
member;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a cross sectional side view of the connector unit
of the pedestal of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of the lower end of a
pedestal according to an alternate embodiment of the present
invention, and showing the annular member in its first
position;
[0032] FIG. 20A is a view similar to FIG. 20 but showing the
annular member in its second position;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a top view of the pedestal of FIG. 20
illustrating the annular member in its second position;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the annular member of FIG. 20;
and
[0035] FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 14B
illustrating an alternative base and a nut of this invention and
how these components interact.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 1 there is illustrated a mountable
pedestal 10 embodying the present invention. The pedestal 10
includes a base unit 11 that is fixable on a floor f. A post 12
extends upward from the base unit 11. The post is preferably a
hollow elongate rigid tube formed of a suitable material, such as
aluminum. A connector unit 13 is mounted on an upper end of the
post 12. The connector unit supports an item, such as a tabletop
14.
[0037] The base unit 11 includes a base 16 (FIGS. 23) and a
mounting assembly 17. The mounting assembly 17 is secured to a
lower end 18 of the post 12 and releasably engageable with the base
16. The base 16 includes an annular flange 21 and is preferably
composed of aluminum or another suitable material. A plurality of
spaced apart fastener holes 22 extend through the flange 21 (FIG.
2). A rim 23 extends downward from an outer edge of the flange 21
(FIG. 3). A top surface 24 of the flange 21 is scored (FIG. 2). The
flange 21 surrounds a central plateau 26 which is stepped up from
the flange 21 by an axially extending step 27. A central opening 28
is formed in the central plateau 26. Three tongues 29 extend into
the opening 28 from the central plateau 26 (FIG. 2). The tongues 29
are equally spaced about the circumference of the central opening
28. The tongues 29 are spaced apart from one another by three
notches 31. A stop 32 is formed in one of the notches 31.
[0038] The mounting assembly 17 includes a generally cup-shaped end
cap 36 (FIGS. 4-6). The end cap 36 is preferably manufactured from
a durable molded plastic or other suitable material. The end cap 36
includes a bottom end wall 37. The end cap 36 has inner and outer
radial peripheral walls 38 and 39 that extend substantially upward
from the end wall 37. The outer wall 39 terminates in an annular
rim 41 (FIG. 4) that projects radially outward away from the inner
wall 38. The inner and outer walls 38 and 39 are spaced apart by an
annular groove 42 that opens upward. A peripheral surface of the
inner wall 38 includes a plurality of ridges 43 (FIG. 5A). The
ridges 43 will allow the post 12 to be more easily received by the
end cap 36 and allow additional room for glue or another adhesive,
if desired, between the post 12 and the end cap 36. An outer
peripheral surface of the outer wall 39 of the end cap 36 is
threaded. The inner wall 38 includes a number of buttresses 44.
[0039] A locator 46 (FIG. 5) projects downward from the center of
the end wall 37 of the end cap 36. A plurality of spaced apart
fastener holes 47 extend through the end wall 37 (FIGS. 5 and 6).
Three ribs 48 extend downward from the end wall 37 and are equally
spaced about the circumference of the end wall 37. As best
illustrated in FIG. 6, the ribs 48 are positioned so they are
centered between the fastener holes 47.
[0040] The mounting assembly 17 includes a screw mounting block 49
(FIGS. 7A-7B) that is positioned in the end cap 36. The screw
mounting block 49 includes three legs 51 that extend radially
outward. A fastener hole 52 extends through each leg 51.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 8-10, the mounting assembly 17 includes
an annular member 56. As illustrated, the annular member 56 is a
nut which is composed of a suitable material, such as a durable
moldable plastic. The nut 56 has inner and outer peripheral
surfaces 57 and 58 (FIG. 8). The outer peripheral surface 58 is
tapered so the circumference of a bottom end 59 of the nut 56 is
greater than the circumference of a top end 61 of the nut 56. The
inner peripheral surface 57 is threaded and surrounds a central
recess 62 that extends between the top and bottom ends 61 and 59 of
the nut 56. Preferably, the outer peripheral surface 58 of the nut
56 includes a plurality of ridges 63 and contours 64 to facilitate
easier gripping and manipulation of the nut 56 by a user (FIG. 9).
As best illustrated in FIG. 10, the bottom end 59 of the nut 56 is
generally cup-shaped and includes a skirt 66 which surrounds the
central recess 62. The skirt 66 includes a free end 67 that has an
edge 68 which extends around a bottom surface 69. The edge 68 of
the skirt 66 is scored.
[0042] The mounting assembly 17 includes a spider 73 (FIGS. 11 and
12) that is composed of a suitable material, such as aluminum or
steel. The spider 73 has a centrally positioned locator opening 74
(FIG. 11). The spider 73 has three legs 76 that extend radially
outward. Each leg 76 is contoured to include two raised portions 77
separated by a downwardly extending central portion 78, as best
illustrated in FIG. 12. A fastener hole 79 extends through each leg
76 (FIG. 11).
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 15-19, the connector unit 13 includes
a latch 81, here formed as a leaf spring, that has a fixed first
end 82 (FIGS. 15A-15B) and a free second end 83. A fastener hole 84
extends through the first end 82 to facilitate attachment of the
latch 81 to the post 12. The latch 81 is composed of a resiliently
bendable material. The latch 81 is mountable on the post 12 so the
second end 83 can flex toward and away from the post 12.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 16A-16B the connector unit 13 includes an
end cap 86 having an end surface 87. The end cap 86 includes a
central interior opening 88 that is surrounded by an outer wall 89.
The outer wall 89 extends axially away from the end surface 87 and
terminates in a substantially annular protrusion 90.
[0045] The connector unit 13 includes a connector member 91 (FIGS.
17-19) that has a tapered outer wall 94 and an inner wall 98. The
outer wall 94 connects a central plateau 92 to an annular flange 96
so that the annular flange 96 is stepped from the plateau 92. A
central opening 93 is formed by the inner wall 98. An annular
groove 95 is formed in a lower end of the inner wall 98. A
plurality of spaced apart fastener holes 97 extend through the
flange 96.
Assembly
[0046] To assemble the pedestal 10, the base 16 is mounted on the
floor f. The base 16 is first positioned in the desired location on
the floor f. Screws S are then inserted through the fastener holes
22 and tightened to secure the base 16.
[0047] The mounting assembly 17 is then assembled. The screw
mounting block 49 is dropped into the end cap 36 so that it rests
on the end wall 37. Due to its configuration, the screw mounting
block 49 can only be received in the lower end 18 of the post 12
with the legs 51 extending between the buttresses 44. Thus, when
the screw mounting block 49 is positioned on the end wall 37 of the
end cap 36, the fastener holes 52 will be aligned with the fastener
holes 47 of the end wall 37.
[0048] The nut 56 is then positioned around the end cap 36. The nut
56 is secured to the end cap 36 by a mating of the internal threads
of the nut 56 with the external threads of the end cap 36. The nut
56 is advanced about the end cap 36 until the top end 61 of the nut
56 abuts the rim 41 of the outer wall 39 of the end cap 36 (FIG.
14A). The nut 56 is now in a first axial position with respect to
the end cap 36.
[0049] Once the nut 56 is in its first axial position, the spider
73 is attached to the end wall 37 of the end cap 36. To mount the
spider 73, the locator 46 of the end wall 37 is positioned in the
locator opening 74 of the spider 73. The spider 73 is then oriented
so the fastener holes 79 in the legs 76 are aligned with the
fastener holes 47 in the end wall 37 and the fastener holes 52 of
the screw mounting block 49. A screw 80 or other suitable fastener
is tightened in each set of fastener holes 52, 79 and 47 to secure
the spider 73 to the end wall 37. The raised portions 77 of each
leg 76 are adjacent the end wall 37. The central portion 78 of each
leg 76 of the spider 73 projects downwardly away from the end wall
37 of the end cap 36. When assembled, the legs 76 of the spider 73
extend outward between adjacent ribs 48 of the end cap 36 (FIG.
14A).
[0050] Once the spider 73 is secured to the end cap 36, the post 12
can be secured to the mounting assembly 17. The lower end 18 of the
post 12 is inserted into the end cap 36 so the lower end 18 is
positioned in the annular groove 42 between the inner and outer
walls 38 and 39 of the end cap 36. The lower end 18 of the tube 12
can be secured to the end cap by an adhesive, such as glue. The end
cap 36 is preferably also secured to the post 12 by a fastener 19
which will further prevent the end cap 36 from axial and/or
rotational movement with respect to the post 12. Once the mounting
assembly 17 is secured to the post 12, the post 12 is positioned
over the base 16 so that each leg 76 of the spider 73 is positioned
in the central opening 28 of the base 16 and axially extends into a
notch 31 between adjacent tongues 29 so as to be offset from the
tongues 29, as illustrated in FIG. 13A. The base 16 is now in a
first circumferential position with respect to the post 12. The
post 12 is then rotated with respect to the base 16 so that the
base 16 is in a second circumferential position with respect to the
post (FIG. 13B). When the base 16 is in this position, each leg 76
of the spider 73 is positioned beneath one of the base tongues 29.
One of the legs 76 abuts the stop 32 of the base 16. Each leg 76 is
thus axially trapped by a respective tongue 29 to prevent axial
movement of the base 16 with respect to the post 12.
[0051] After the base 16 is moved to the second position, the nut
56 is moved to its lower position so the edge 68 of the nut 56
engages the flange 21, as illustrated in FIG. 14B. The nut 56 is
now tightened over the base 16 to further secure the base 16 in its
second position. In addition, since the edge 68 of the nut 56 and
the flange 21 are scored, these surfaces will frictionally interact
to further inhibit movement of the base 16 with respect to the post
12. Thus, pedestal 10 can provide a stable and sturdy base for the
object supported thereon. Furthermore, since the open notches 31 of
the base opening 28 are covered by the nut 56, the overall
aesthetic appearance of the pedestal 10 will be visually
pleasing.
[0052] To complete assembly of the pedestal 10, the connector unit
13 is secured to the upper end 15 of the post 12. A suitable
fastener is inserted through the fastener hole 84 of the latch 81
and a complementary hole in the upper end 15 of the post 12 to
secure the latch 81 to the post. The top end 12 of the post 12 is
then inserted in the central opening 88 of the end cap 86. The
connector member 91 is then positioned over the end cap 86 so the
end cap 86 is received in the passage 93. The protrusion 90 on the
outer wall 89 opposes the plateau 92 and limits the distance the
connector member 91 can be displaced toward the mid-section of the
post 12. As the connector member 91 slides over the top end 12, the
annular groove 95 of the connector member 91 is engaged by the
latch 81 on the upper end 15 of the post 12. Once the opening is
engaged by the latch 81, the connector member 91 is prevented from
both axial and circumferential movement with respect to the post
12.
[0053] Once the connector unit 13 is secured to the post 12, the
tabletop 14, or other desired item to be supported, can be mounted
thereon. To mount the tabletop 14, it is first centered over the
pedestal 10. Bolts or other suitable fasteners are then inserted
through the bores on the connector flange and into the bottom
surface of the tabletop 14. It should be appreciated that the
tabletop 14 or other item could be mounted to the pedestal 10
before the pedestal 10 is mounted to the floor. Similarly, the base
16 could be mounted to the floor prior to being secured to the post
12.
Modification
[0054] FIGS. 20-22 show a modified mountable pedestal 110. The
modified pedestal 110 is preferably identical to the previously
disclosed pedestal 10, except as described hereafter. Parts of the
pedestal 110 that are similar to parts of the pedestal 10 carry the
same reference numerals with the prefix "1" added thereto.
[0055] FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative base 16a and nut 56a of
this invention. Base 16a is formed so as to have an outer flange
21a that is the same height or slightly higher than the
inner-located center plateau 26. Between the outer flange 21a and
center plateau 26, base 16a is formed to have a circular track 160
that is recessed relative to both the outer flange 21a and the
center plateau 26. A diagonally upwardly directed circular lip 162
is the portion of the base 16a that connects track 160 to the outer
flange 21a.
[0056] Nut 56a is formed to have a free end 67a that is outwardly
beveled. More particularly, the angle of inclination of base lip
162 and nut free 67a are similar, if not identical. One or both of
the outer surfaces of the nut free end 67a and the base lip 162 may
be scored. The base 16a and the nut 56a are collectively shaped so
that when the nut is screwed against the base, the nut free end 67a
seats against the base lip 162. Owing to the outward
circumferential contact between the surfaces of these components,
lateral movement of the nut 56a and, consequently, of the post 12
is restrained.
[0057] In other alternative versions of this embodiment of the
invention, it may be desirable to form that base so that the outer
flange is the highest portion of the base, relative to the rim 23.
In these versions of the invention, the circular, diagonally
oriented lip located between the inner edge of the outer flange and
the inner portions of the base would serve the same function as the
above described base lip 162. The base of these versions of the
invention may not require the above-described recessed track.
[0058] Also, in alternative versions of the invention, the fastener
holes 22 formed in the base may be positioned within the inner
portion of the base subtended by the nut free end. Thus, in these
versions of the invention, once the mounting assembly is fully
assembled, the fastener holes, as well as the fasteners seated in
them, are concealed from view.
[0059] The pedestal 110 preferably replaces the threaded end cap 36
of the pedestal with the end cap 136. The end cap 136 has a
relatively short outer peripheral wall 139 that extends upward from
the end wall 137 of the end cap 136 and terminates in a radially
outwardly extending rim 141. An annular slider 156 is substituted
for the nut 56 of the pedestal 10. The annular slider 156 includes
three blocks 199 (FIGS. 21-22) that extend downward toward the base
116. The slider 156 is movable along the post 112 between a first
axial position spaced apart from the spider 173 (FIG. 20) and a
second axial position (FIG. 20A). The slider 156 is prohibited from
moving beyond the first axial position away from the second axial
position by the rim 141.
[0060] When the base 116 is in its second circumferential position
with respect to the post 112, the legs 176 of the spider 173 are
once again axially trapped by the tongues 129 of the base 116.
Thus, the base 116 is prevented from axial movement with respect to
the post 112 and inhibited by the engagement of the legs 176 of the
spider 173 and the tongues 129 of the central plateau 126 from
circumferential movement. When the base 116 is in this position,
the slider 156 is moved to its second position so that each block
199 is received in one of the three notches 131 of the base central
opening 128 (FIG. 21). Thus, the base 116 is prevented from
rotational movement about the post 112. In addition, since the
notches 131 of the base 116 are covered by the blocks 199 of the
slider 156, the aesthetic qualities of the post 112 are
enhanced.
[0061] It should be appreciated that the foregoing description is
for the purposes of illustration only, and further alternative
embodiments of this invention are possible without departing from
the scope of the claims. For instance, while the pedestal of the
present invention has been illustrated with only one base unit that
is secured to the lower end of the post, this is not intended to
limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the pedestal could
instead be configured to receive a base unit that is attached to
the upper end of the post. This configuration could find a
particular application with home or office furniture. In addition,
the pedestal could be configured to receive a base unit on both the
upper and lower ends of the post. This would provide a positive
locking attachment at both the upper and lower ends. Thus, the
pedestal need not include a connector assembly on either end.
[0062] In addition to the above modifications, when the present
invention includes a connector assembly on either end, any suitable
connector assembly could be substituted for the snap lock connector
assembly illustrated. Additionally, while a spider having three
prongs has been illustrated herein, it should be appreciated that a
spider having any sufficient number of prongs could instead be
used. For instance, a spider having either two or four prongs could
be substituted to lock the pedestal in the desired position.
However, it should also be appreciated that the number of legs
should be equal to the number of ribs that project downward from
the end cap and the number of tongues on the central plateau of the
base.
[0063] Thus, although particular preferred embodiments of the
present invention have been disclosed in detail for illustrative
purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications
lie within the scope of the present invention and do not depart
from the spirit of the invention.
* * * * *